Saturday, January 24, 2015

$14,000 in scholarships to be awarded on January 24th at Augusta Civic Center

SOUTH PORTLAND - The selection committee for the 2014 Frank J. Gaziano Memorial
Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards has announced the six finalists for what
is the largest high school scholarship of its kind in the country. From the
list of six finalists, one offensive and one defensive lineman will each
receive $5,000 and a first place trophy; the four runners-up will each receive
$1,000. The Frank J. Gaziano award winners will be announced at a luncheon
ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Augusta Civic Center.

The scholarship and awards program for Maine high school football linemen was
created in 2010 in memory of Frank J. Gaziano, founder of National Distributors
in South Portland, and a former college All-American and professional football
player with a lifelong passion for local sports.

"I know that Frank would be very proud of all of our nominees and the
efforts of the committee that had the very difficult job of selecting these
finalists. Each year, we continue to be impressed by the information we learn
about these student-athletes and their work, not only on the football field,
but in the classroom and their communities," said Jeff Kane, president of
National Distributors, Inc. and Frank Gaziano's son-in-law.

The annual Frank Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards are
presented to players who epitomize the character, leadership, and perseverance
of Gaziano. The selection committee chooses award winners based on their strong
leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
Funding for the $14,000 in total scholarships is provided by National
Distributors, Inc. The selection committee will also be securing sponsorships
ranging from $50 - $500 so players and families of the student-athletes can
attend the awards luncheon ceremony free of charge. For more information or to
contribute to the Frank J. Gaziano scholarship fund, visit www.gazianolinemanawards.org.